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THE COW-BOY! 



AN ORIGINAL COMEDY DRAMA IN FIVE 

ACTS. 




BY 

JOSEPH H. BOLSTERLI. 

Author's Edition, with the Cast of the Char- 
acters Synopsis of Incidents, Time of 
■\l Representation, Description of the 
Costumes, Scene and Property 
Plots. 

Copyright, 1895, by Joseph H. BolsterlL All rights reserved. 



PLAINFIELD, N. J.; 
Plainfield Evening News Print. 

1895. 



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Note. — The acting rights of this play are expressly reserved 
by the author. Theratical Managers wishing to produce it 
should apply to the author, Joseph H. Bolsterli, P. O. address, 
Plainfield, N. J. 



TEE COW-BOYS. 



CAST OF 




tfswi 



Sam Eggbeater, Owner of Saloon 

Daniel Mead, Owner of Ranch, 

Jim Burns, For man of Ranch, 

Broncho Ned, Cow-boy, 

Wild Pete, " 

Pat Edward, " 

Billy Cook " 

Mexican Frank • ' 

Jack Sutton, Old Time Cowboy, 

Sfe^epy Ike. Driver of Grub Wagon, 

A ioiph Cleveland, Jr., Darkey who works on Ranch,. 

Geo. P. Endy ~) 

H. W. Wilson ) 

Sam Button J Cow - B °y Whistling Quartet. 

John C. Lewis i 

Dorothy Mead, Daughter of Daniel Mead, 

Bertha Young 

Edith Young, Chas. Young's Oldest Daughter, 

Mrs. Wallace, Wife of Ed. Wallace 

Mable Wallace, Daughter of Ed. Wallace, 

Minnie West "] 

j- Cow-Girl Singing Quartet. 
J 



Dora Mitchell 
Emma Dean 
Phebe Schenck 



2 THE COW-BOYS. 

INDIANS. 

Shooting Arrow, 

Man Afraid, . 

Running Snake, 

Makenoise, 

HORSES. 

Brick Top Daniel Mead. 

Buck Shot Jim Burns. 

Light Foot Broncho Ned. 

Badger. Wild Pete. 

Barney Pat Edward. 

Star Light Billy Cook. 

John the Baptist Jack Sutton- 
Comanche . . . o Dorothy Mead. 

Prince Bertha Young. 

Ginger Edith Young. 

Badger Mrs. Wallace. 

Pansy Mabel Wallace. 

Slippery Elm, bucking horse, Jack Sutton. 

Gibraltar, pack horse . . .Sleepy Ike. 

STEER. 

Commodore Jack Sutton. 

DOG. 

Bounce, owned by Sam Eggbeater. 

Violinist, etc. , by the Company. 



Time of Representation— About Two Hours and a Half. 
Time, the present. Locality. 



Note. — Indians, in Act IV, can be doubled and played by 
Girls. Whistling Quartet, in Act IV, can be doubled by Cow- 
buys. Sleepy Ike, in Act IV, can be doubled and played by 
Sam E. Horses, in Act II and Act V, can be doubled to suit. 
Singing Quartet, in Act 11, can be doubled by Cow-girls. 



THE COW-BOYS.- 3 

SYNOPSIS OF INCIDENTS. 

Act I. Scans, Bar-room— Elk Horn Saloon. The Fashion — 
Jack Sutton misunderstanding. Introduction. Game of 
Seven up. Singing and music. Horse deal. Off for the 
ranch. The return. Sutton on the war path. The waltz. 
The jump. A bet. Pick up. Excitement. Pool on horse 
back— Jack's winnin shot, " here goes for t her king pin." O 
ther out-fit. Curtain. 

Act II. Scene, The ranch. Adolph in trouble. Burns re- 
turns from town, The word. Jack at the dance. Mead ar- 
rives at the ranch. Burns gives the orders. 

Seene 2. "Good lord how dem folks do eat." Calls Adolph. 
All youug chickens need ter be kivered well this time o year. 
Breakfast. The start. 

Scene 3. "I just save dem fo de misses," dey cant do nunin 
less dey axe my vice. "Oh where are you." Bertha and 
Edith. Did'nt sprect it am so late. Adolph enjoyment. Good 
morning girls. Cow-girl si aging quartet on horse back. 

Act III Scene, On the plains. — "I wonder where Burns 
is." What ails our old ark. Lost ther trail. After a fore- 
wheel. Bet a tin horn he'll rowl that kayuse every jump. 
— ' 'Here is yer gol-dang wing." Finding the bottle. Drink- 
ing. — ''Thunder man did you drink that." — I'll see you ride a 
bucker before sun-down. You can all ride when you ha veto. 
— What drove that in your thinker — I want to see Pat make 
his ride. Here comes me old friend Jack Sutton. "Help me 
saddle him."— Jack rides bucking horse. Curtain. 

Act IV. Scene, In Camp. Injun wedden over on Onion 
Creek. Its no fun cooking flaps for a hungry cow outfit. 
Asleep under grub wagon. What did he train him to do, "he's 
going to take him to the fairs." Jumping rope. Pete you 
and Ned ride the basin. Who will cook for this layout. Jack 
lost his rope. "Hold on I'll turn ther batter. 

Scene 2. Arsh darn dese yar skets. Must be gettin married 
twice. Iidians going up the pass. Cow-boy whistling quar- 
tet. Curtain. 



4. THE COW-BOYS. 

Act V. Scene, Prairie, "Oh Mr. Barns we want some fun." 
Who ever saw a Virgin reel on a horse's back. — Hold 
on, you spitfiire — "I knew he would do it. v I'll rout- 
out ther whole cow-camp. -'Ladies Mr. Sutton." Charles 
Young's little gal. Stray critter out ther bunch. — This seems 
like old times again. — Virginia reel on horse back. Curtain. 



COSTUMES ETC. 

Sam Eggbeater. — Act. I. Boots, darktrowsers, light shirt 
large black neck-tie, white hat, bandana to suit taste. Act 
IV. Boots, blue overalls and shirt, red and white bandana 
handkerchief for Deck. 

Daniel Mead. — Act II. Boots, Corduroy suit, gray mixed 
shirt, black neck tie, white handkerchief, soft black hat, 
bridle with round cheek pieces, buckle on top, round brow 
piece with rosettes, oval nose piece, reins 6 feet long to 
buckle in half breed bit, quirt, spurs, stock saddle, slicker, 
and saddle blanket. 

Jim Burns,— Act, I, II, III, IV, and V. High heel boots, 
dark trowsers, light blue shirt, dark red handkerchief, gaunt- 
lets, white sombrers, dark red sash, full stamped red leather 
bridle, silver trimmings, conchas, flat leather reins, full 
stamped neck and breast strap with conchas, large shield in 
front, half ring silver inlaid bit, quirt, raw-hide rope, 40 feet, 
4 plat, silver inlaid spurs, stamped straps, silver conchas, 44 
colts, full stamped holster and belt, full stamped stock sad- 
dle with stamped black angora saddle bags and coronas n 
slicker, blanket, full stamped black angora chaparejos. 

Broncho Ned.— Act. I, II, III, IV, and V. High heel 
boots, gray trowsers, dark blue shirt, bright red handkerchief, 
gauntlets, white sombrero, bright red sash, full plat bridle and 
reins style A, silver inlaid spade bid, quirt, raw-hide rope, 40 
feet 4 plat, ball whip 10 feet, silver inlaid spurs, straps and 
conchas, 44 colts, holster and belt, stock saddle with 24 taps, 
saddle blanket, slicker, blanket, white angora chaparejos. 



THE COW-BOYS. 5 

Wild Pete,— Acts. I, II, III and IV. Moccasins, Calvary 
trowsers, buckskin shirt, white handkerchief, gauntlets, white 
sombrero, stamped leather belt with large buckle, full plat 
bridle, neck strap, standing martingales, round reins, with 
plat buttons style B. silver inlaid ring bit, quirt, 40 feet linen 
rope, silver inlaid spurs, straps and conchas, 44 colts, holster 
and belt, stock saddle, saddle blanket, slicker, blanket, yel- 
low angora chaparejos. 

Pat Edward.— Acts. I, II, III, IV, and V. High heel 
boots, dark trowsers, light gray shirt, dark handkerchief, 
gauntlets, vhite sombrero, bright green sash, fiat silver 
mounted bridle, minus throat strap, flat reins, half breed 
silver inlaid bit. quirt, 40 feet manilia rope, silver inlaid 
spurs, straps and conchas, 44 colts, holster and belt, stock sad- 
dle, saddle blanket, slicker, blanket, white angora chaparejos. 

Mexican Fr^nk— Acts. I, II, IV and V. Fine Mexican 
boots, green Mexican velvet trowsers, pink silk Mexican shirt, 
dark red Mexican coat, silk yellow sash, Mexican sombrero, 
blue satin neck tie, handkerchief to suit taste, Mexican bridle 
and reins, silver inlaid ring bit, fiat plat hackamore, hair 
rope, quirt, 40 feet sea weed rope, big silver inlaid Mexican 
spurs, straps and conch, s, pistol or knife, full stamped Mexi- 
can stock saddle with backarajos. 

Billy Cook.— Acts. I, II, III, IV and V. High heel 
boots, dark corduroy trowsers, light color flannel shirt, blue 
handkerchief, gauntlets, white sombrero, blue sash, silver 
mounted split ear bridle, plat reins with quirt, silver inlaid 
bit 40 feet manilia rope, silver inlaid spurs, straps and 
conchas, 44 colts, holster and belt, stock saddle, and saddle 
blanket, slicker, blanket, black angora chaparajos, 

Jack Sutton.— Acts. I, II, III, IV and V. High heel 
boots, jean trowsers, red flannel shirt, black silk handkerchief, 
silk sash, gauntlets, white sombrero, full mounted silver 
bridle, plat reins, full silver inlaid bit, quirt, raw-hide rope, 
silver spurs, stamped straps and conchas, 44 colts blued with 
pearl handles, holster and belt, full stamped stock saddle, 
bright red saddle blanket, black and white backarajos with 
silver trimmings, navajo blanket, slicker leather chaparejos. 



6 THE COW-BOYS. 

Adolph Clevelvnd Jr.— Act. II. Big shoes, black 
tights, white trowsevs, red flannel shirt, red and white ban- 
dana, straw hat, rope suspender, 30 feet manilia rope. 

Dorthy Mead. — Acts. II and V. Lace shoes, gingham 
dress, gauntlets, white sombrero, apron, leather belt, full 
stamped russet leather bridle, hair tassels, flat reins, full 
stamped neck and breast strap, half breed silver inlaid bit, 
quirt, silver inlaid spur, strap and concho, full stamped 
double rig side saddle roll around seat, fancy saddle blanket. 
Act IV. Mask, hair, moccasins, buckskin leggins, fancy 
blanket. 

Bertha Young.— Acts. II and Y. Riding boots, pink 
gingham dress, gauntlets with stiff cuffs, black straw hat and 
velvet belt, round hair bridle and reins, round neck strap and 
standing martingales, half bread silver inlaid bit, quirt, full 
stamped double rig side saddle roll around seat, fancy saddle 
blanket. Act IV. Mask, hai**, moccasins, buckskin leggins. 
bright red blanket. 

Edith Young. — Acts. II and Y. Riding boots, dark 
gingham dress, gauntlets with stiff cuffs, light straw hat, red 
velvet belt, flat plat bridle, silver trimmings, round reins, 
neck and flat breast strap, half breed silver inlaid bit, quirt, 
full stamped double rig side saddle, roll around seat, fancy 
saddle blanket. Act IY. Mask, hair, moccasins, buckskin 
leggins, black and yellow blanket. 

Mrs. Wallace. — Act II. Lace shoes, gingham dress, big 
sun bonnet, white apron, and gloves. Act Y. Full plat 
round bridle, neck and breast strap, reins with buttons, silver 
inlaid ring bit, quirt, full stamped double rig side saddle, roll 
around seat, plain saddle blanket- 

MabeL Wallace. — Act II and Y. Lace shoes, checked 
gingham dress, gauntlets, white sombrero and leather belt, 4 
strands 8 plat bridle, round reins, silver rosettes, and conchas 
on side, silver inlaid spade bit, quirt, spur, strap and concho 
stamped double rig side saddle, roll around seat, fancy sad 
die blanket. Act IY. Mask, hair, moccasins, buckskin 
leggins, red and white blanket. 



THE COW-BOYS.- 7 

PROPERTY PLOT. 

Act 1. 

Newspaper. 1 doz. bottles corks and glasses. Dice and 
box. 1 six shooter. 1 Winchester 44 cal. 1 towel. 1 box 
matches. 3 papers and 3 bags smoking tobacco. 2 plugs 
chewing tobacco. 1 pipe. Pail water. Pitcher of water. 
Cigarette box. Box cigars and cork-screw for for Sam. 2 five 
dollar bills, banjo and horse for Pete. Pool cue, balls and 
horse for Pat. 2 pack of cards, broom and horse for Billy. 
Mandoline and dog for Mex. F. Gold and silver coins, long 
gray hair, whiskers, pool cue and horse for Jack. 

Act II. 

Pencil and book for Daniel. Same for Jim. Plug of to- 
bacco, pipe, matches and pocket knife for Billy. Pack saddle 
and buckskin strings for Ned. Plug tobacco for Jack. Bis- 
cuits, cups, frying pan, coffee and blanket for Cow-boys. Pail 
of water, tin dipper, coffee pot, tea kettle, wash basin, looking 
glass, towel, comb, brush, axe and wood for Dorothy. Cups 
for Bertha and Edith. Basket hoe and banjo for Adolph. 
Broom for Mrs. Wallace. Horses for Mead, Burns, Ned. Billy, 
Jack, Adolph, Dorthy, Bertha, Edith, and Mabel. 

Act III. 

Fore-wheel, dark oval bottle for Jack. Bucking horse for 
Pat. Horses for Burns, Pete, Pat, Billy and Jack. 

Act IV. 

Pack saddle, wood, matches, flower, bacon, coffee and pot 
for Ike. Frying pan. jump rope and steer for Jack. Indian 
costumes for Dorothy, Bertha, Edith and Mable. Horses for 
Burns, Pete, Pat, Ned, Billy, Mex. F. and Jack. 

Act V. 

Horses for Burns, Pat, Billy, Mex. F., Jack, Dorothy 
Bertha, Edith, Mrs. Wallace and Mabel. 



8 THE COW-BOYS. 

SCENE PLOT. 

Act I. 

Scene. — Log soloon. Set bar with chair Pool balls 

and cue rack Card table, chair and keg Pool 

table Box Antlers, fire-arms, bottles, etc. to 

suit. 

Act II. 

Scene. — Landscape Sat log cabin with door, 

step, bench, pail and dipper, window open and hung with 
lace curtain wild, flowers in box on window sill. Corral with 
snubing, post visible wood pile and axe spring 

Scene 2. — Horses in corral Folks all asleep 

Scene 3. — Log cabin with door, step, bench, etc. S^me as 
Scene 1, in Act II. 

Act III. 

Scene. Landscape Range of distant mountains 

pale blue. A vast rolling prairie copperish in color. Glimpse 
of cotton- wood, pecan and oak in the bottoms along hidden 
streams. Fore-ground struded with bunch grass of promade 
green, buffallo grass and misquite. Cattle grazing as far as 
can be seen. 

Act IV. 

Scene. IV. Landscape. Mountains prairie. Stream of 
water, cattle etc., in the distant. Scene 2. Incline pass 
from To Cow-camp 

Act V. 

Scene. V. Landscape. Wallace ranch in the distant, 
trail leading to cabin door. Grub wagon. Rounding up. 
Cutting out etc. To the right. 



THE COW-BOYS.- 



STAGE DIRECTIONS. 



The player is supposed to face the audience. R., means right: L., 
left ; C,. centre ; R. C, right of centre ; L. C, left of centre ; D. R. C. In F. , 
door right of centre in flat or back scene ; D. C, door centre ; I. E. first 
entran ; 2 E., second entrance; R. U. E., righ" upper entrance; L. U. E.» 
left upper entrance ; l, 2, 3, or 4 G., first, second, third or fourth grooves ; 
UP, toward the back of the stage; DOWN, toward the audience. 



R. 



R. C. 



L. C. 




THE COW-BOYS. 



Act 1. 



Scene. — Elk-Horn Saloon. Bar-room. Set bar with chair. 
Pool balls and cue rack Card table, chairs and keg 

Pool table Box Antlers, Jire-arms, bottles 

and etc., to suit As curtain rises Sam EGGBEATER is dis- 

covered seated near bar with newspaper in hand reading. 

MEX. F. seated on keg rolling cigarette PAT E. asleep on box 



10 TOE COW-BOYS. 

SamE. {reading the fashion) It wont do for gentlemen to 
be railing at crinoline any longer, for they have just adopted 
a fashion as ridiculous — leg-of mutton sleeves. The ladies 
used to encase their pretty arms in these balloons some thirty 
years ago, but the absurdity did not last a great while — and 
now the men must fall into the paganism of leg-of-mutton 
sleeves and peg top, cossack trowsers. Well, well — it's no use 
to philosophize on fashion. To dress up to the fashion is to 
submit to perpetual self-bulesque. {lays paper on the bar 
strectehes arms and gaps.} 

Enter Jack S. on horse back w 'listling. 

Jack S. {laughing) Who told yer my gal wore sleeve of 
mutton trowsers and leg of trowsers sleeves ? 

Pat E {jumping up) Be-jabers we have ye this time Mr. 
Jacho. 

Jack S. {loo kuig surprised) What do yer mean? (dismounts 
leaves horse standing) 

Pat E. Oh be gor'ra ye no well enuf . 

Jack S. {scratching his knee) Cant see what yer mean any- 
more than a blind si- wash. 

Pat E. {advance laughing and slaps Jack on shoulder) Ye said 
once ye had no girl, now ye say ye have. 

Mex. F. {arising) That's right Jack, {lighting cigarette ad- 
vance toward J acH) 

Jack S. {shaking hands with Mex. F.) How-dy Frank 
How-dy. 

Sam E. They caught you this time old boy. 

Jack S. {turns shakes hands with SAM) Hel'lo Sam. 

Sam E. {holding Jack by the hand) How have you been 
aint seen you in a dogs age ? 

Jack S. {drops hand) Oh tolerable how be you ! 

Sam E, Fine as an E. fiddle string. 

Pat E. Ye can fiddle away thin. 

Sam E. {setting out glasses and bottle) W hat's the tune gents ? 

Pat E. Ah some good old snake eye ! 

Mex. F. {pouring out drink in glass) Well Jack what's on 
the road ? {passes bottle to Jack) 



THE COW-BOYS. 11 

Jac^i S. \ pouring out drink in glass) Never saw a hoof print 
on t her trail ! {passes bottle to Pat) 

Enter Wild Pete. 

Wild P. How-dy ! How-dy ! 

Pat E. {pouring out drink in glass) Come here Pete and wet 
yar whistle, {passes bottle to Pete) Sani set out a glass. 

Wild P. (pouring out drink in glass^ You started early. 
(passes bottle to Sam ) 

Jack S. About sun up ! 

Pat E. Yes and got cooked before grub time. 

Sam E. {pouring out drink in glass) Well! (holding up glass) 
Here is to the morning star, {they all drink and remain) 

Wild P. {speaking to JACK) How is Cook ? 

Pat E. (looking at Jack) Who's this Cookie ? 

Jack S. A square man, a good friend and er slick a hand 
as ever climbed er Kayuse ! 

Wild P . (to Sam) Fill em up. 

Pat E. I'd like to meet him. 

Jack S. (pouring out drink in glass) I reckon it wont cost er 
fortune eh Pete, (passes bottle to Pete. 

Wild P. {pouring out drink in glass) Nary a dollar. {passes 
bottle to Pat) 

Pat E. {pouring out drink in glass) That cheap enuf ? {passes 
bottle to MEX. F.) 

Mex F. {pouring out drink in glass) Here's some one now! 
/sets bottle down) 

Enter. Billly C. on horse back. 

Sam E. (extends hand over bar) Hel'lo Cookie. 

Billy C. (shaking hands with 3am) Hel'lo Sam ! Hel'lo 
boys ! 

Jack S. Bill Cook jine hands with Pat Edward. 

Billy C. With pleasure, {Dismounts leaves horse standing 
shakes hands with Pat) How is Mr. Edward's 
health this fine day. 

Pat E. Sam put out a glass, (passes bottle to Cook) Niver 
better have a drink and cool off . 



12 THE COW-BOYS. 

Sam E. {Sitting out glass) What is it? 

Billy C. Good old straight road ! {pouring out drink in glass, 
sets bottle down. ) 

Wild P. {handing bottle to Sam) Dont be backward. 

Sara E. (pouring out drink in glass ) Tours truly. 

Pat E. (holding up his glass and looking at the contents followed 
by the boys) Every man sip the morning dew. {they all drink 
and remain at the bar. ) 

Sam E. How is things at the ranch ? {washing glasses) 

Billy C. Straight as a string an all tied up ! 

Mex. F. Bill what has become of Broncho Ned, aint seen 
him in a cows age. 

Wild P. I would like to see Ned ray-self , most forgot how 
he looks. 

Jack S. He dont grow any shorter, slaughter) 

Wild P. I reckon not. 

Sam E. {to Bill and Jack) Boys thers a good corral out- 
side for your hosses, just take them out and have something 
on me, its no place for them in here. 

Jack S. {leading both horses out ) Sartainly Sam 

Sartainly anything for piece, {boys talk and fill glasses) 

Re-enter Jack S. goes to bar and fills his glass. 

Billy C. Jack give us some of that jaw-bone lingo about 
old red eye. (pointing at his glass) 

Jack S. {scratching his cheek and uneasy) Boys I dont no any 
such notes and when I got to take a speech by ther horns, 
I'm alius as oneasy as'er maverick in er branding pen and I 
think yer all off'n yer k'bases when yer rope me fur jaw-bone 
music, 'boys al-to-geth er) Come, come pan out. 
Jack S. (raises his glass and takes off his hat) 

Here is to ther man that made ther sun, 

Ther prairie so green fur ther bronck's ter run. 
Fur good wiskey we'll have but never wealth, 

So here goes hands to ther old long horns health. 
{J hey all whoop, set their glasses on the bar a?id look at JACK J 
Mex. F. Where did you larn that piece o music. 



THE COW-BOYS. 13 

Billy C. Oh he's handled that since the fall round up. 
Jack S. Look a here Bill dont yer go ter throw'n red pep- 
per in my eyes when I'm down. 
Billy O. I was only joken pard, shake, (extends hands) 
Jack S. (shaking Bill by the hand) Bill I'll forgive yer 
I al-lus said as how yer was square up one side and down ther 
other. 

Billy C. Jack I'll play you a game of seven-up to see who 
treats the house. 

Jack S. I'll go yer one if I loose a hoof, git ther cards 
(Sam gives cards to Billy who goes to the table fol- 

lowed by Jack, they sit down) Cut for deal, (they cut 
cards, Billy wins) String em out. (they start to play; 

Sam E. Say Frank you and Pete give' us some music to 
livly things up a bit . (gives Mex. F. madoline, Pete a banjo 
they do sit on the pool table sing a song and play) 

Pat E. Yis its music we want, (remains standing at the 
bar talkiog to Sam) 

Jack S. (as music stops jumps up exclaiming as Billy, 
takes a jack from the bottom of the pack) Bill Cook yer a 
dog-gone cheat I seen yer take that jack from ther bottom. 

Billy C. Take those words back or I'll (reaching d own 
laughing) 

Jack S. (angry drawing his gun) Not while I kin comb 
my hair. 

Mex. F. (who is watching them) Hold this ! (handing 
Pete his mandoline, jumps down, runs and takes Jack by the 
arm) Would you plug your best friend ? 

Wild P. (jumps down, lays mandoline and banjo on the 
bar, runs between Jack and Billy) What ails you ? 

JackS. (strugling) A man aint yer friend when he cheats 
at cards. 
Billy C. Jack if I done it I don't no it. (laughing) 
Jack S. Yer '11 say that sometime and choke with a lead 
pill, (still strugling) 

Pat E. (going over to Jack) Ye old torn kitten, what ails 
ye Bill, was only in fun, for I winked at him to do it. 

Jack S. (strugling) Yer sneaking coyote, yer tarnal Si- 
wash, help him ter cheat me, will yer. (puts up his gun and 



14 THE COW-BOYS. 

tries to get away) I ring yer neck. 

Sam E. (puts away instruments, goes over, takes Jack by 
the arm) Let go of him boys ! (patting Jack on the back) 
That was only done for a joke, (takes Jack to the bar, fol- 
lowed by the boys) Have one on me. 

Jack S. (shaking his head) Not by a dang site, Bill Cook 
lost ther game and got ter stand drinks. 

Billy C. (laughing) Dont see how I could loose it. when 
you would'nt play it out. 

Pat E. (slaping Billy with his hat) Stop chafin his tim- 
per. 

Jack S. I would if yer played square. 

Wild P. I move, Bill Cook pay for the drinks. 

Mex. F. I second that motion. 

Jack S. I'll third it. (bringing the but-end of his gun 
down on the bar, reeling and hold on to Pete) Cut em out 
lively. (Jack starts to hop and sing, boys remain at the bar 
looking on) 

Mex. F. (catching Jack by the shoulder as he comes near) 
I hear you want to sell your hoss, now come right down to 
hoss flesh, what do you hold him at? 

Jack S. (flying in a rage ) Who said I want ter sell him ? 
I'll bet one dollar and six bits that's one o Bill Cook's yarns. 

Mex. F. No, I heard it over on Dry Creek last night. 

Jack S. (angry) I don't wonder it's so dang dry over there, 
if ther lie like that. 

Mex. F. I got a "Jim Dandy" I'll swap you and give ten. 
(^ walks slowly toward ) 

Jack S. Yer never saw money enough to buy that critter, 
(starts after Mex. F.) Hold on yer greaser, war's that kay- 
use. 

Mex. F. Out back of the corral. 

Jack S. (reeling) Bring him in. 

Sam E. This is no place to show horses. 

Mex* F. Come pard, go have a squint at him. 

Jack S. (follows Mex. F. ) Some people mighty 

ticular now er days. 

Wild P. I hope Frank will get him started for the ranch. 

Pat (surprised) Is that his game . 



THE COW-BOYS. 15 

Billy C. Yes, and I hope it will work better than mine 
did. 

Sam E. (shaking finger at Billy) Don't do anything like 
that again. 

Biliy C. (laughing) We only wanted a little fun. 

Sam E. That's al-right — but you no just how he is. 

Re-enter Mex. F. 

Mex. F. (wiping brow with handkerchief; Well he is off. 
(looking around discovers dog lieing in ) Come 

bounce! (dog get's up and goes to Frank, who takes his 
paws and dances around bar-room singing) 

Wild P. I lowe you had a good time. 

Mex. F. (waltzing) I did but he is gone now. 

Pat E. If he don't turn back. 

Mex. F. Oh no he'll pull his freight straight for the ranch, 
estops waltzing, dog goes and lies in ) 

Pat E. (taping Mex F. , on his shoulder) I'll play ye a 
litttle game of draw. 

Wild P. If you don't object, I'll jine you. 

Pat E. (shaking his head) No pard, I'm just a beginer and 
I don't mind chaseing one critter, but I can't keap me eyes on 
two and run both ways at once. (Pat goes to table 
followed by Mex. F., sits down, gathers up cards commences to 
shuffle, Mex. F., takes his seat) 

Sam E. Pete, I'll just shoot you a game of crap, (gets 
out dice and box) 

Wild P. I am your ' 'cuckoo," 

Billy C. Stay with him Pete, (goes to box sits 

down, draws hat over his eyes and takes a nap) 

Wild P. (shaking dice) Sev come lev. (shakes dice) 
Long Liz from Kansas, (shakes dice) Brown hoss wins. 

Pat E. (uneasy) Jabers it's hot, lets move by the door, so 
I can get a we drop of air. (move table chair and keg in 
front of door sit down and game proceed) 

Sam E. Good throw, but I'll beat it. (shaking dice, throws) 
Five, (shakes dice) Eight, (they all stop playing and look 
toward the door, Billy sleeps on, where they hear a whoop 



16 THE COW-BOYS. 

and a horse on a dead run. 

Pat E. looks out the door, throws up his hand) God save 
us it's Jack Sutton. 

Ee-enter Jack S. on horse back. 

Eides through the door with a whoop, jumps horse over 
card table. Into the bar-room and shoots. Pete runs catches 
Jack's horse by the bridle and holds him. Sam drops behind 
the bar. Billy jumps up, runs and springs on horse, from be- 
hind catches Jack by both arms and pins them fast, they 
struggle and fall off horse. Billy holds on to horse. 

Billy C. Are you a fool, crazy, or got a fit. (Billy takes 
his gun) 

Jack S. (struggles) I don't froth at ther mouth and can 
lick ary puncher in ther out-fit. (breakes away from Billy, 
runs around bar-room, followed by Billy, vaults over his 
horse, Billy runs around to ger him on the othei side when 
Jack vaults back in the saddle, Billy catches him by the foot 
and holds him fast) 

Wild P. Hold on him Cook ! 

Jack S. Let go my hoof, or I'll kick out yer front grinders. 

Pat E. (getting up from card table and going over to Jack) 
Come, behave your-self , or do ya want to kill some one and 
get strung up. 

Jack S. (angry) Who said I killed him ! Who says I got 
strung up. 

Sam E. (rising up) No one, but you will if you keep on 
this way, come get down. 

Jack S. No I won't ! 

Billy C. Jack are you going to git of that hoss. (pulling 
his leg 

Jack S. (holdiug on to saddle horn) No, No, are you deef . 

Mex. F. (getting up from card table and taking hold of 
Jack) If you don't get down we'll take you off and hog-tie 
you till you are sober. 

Jack S. Who said I was sober. 

Wild P. Come, come git off your hoss he is tired enuf 
after that run. 



THE COW-BOYS. 17 

Jack S. He did'nt run, he jis new and jumped badger 
holes ! 
Sam E. Say aint I always been a friend to you? 
Jack S. Yes, yer have pard. that's gospel. 
Sam E. Then do that much for me and get down. 
Jack S. Not till I git my gun. 

Sam E. Cook give him his gun. (Cook hand's him his 
gun) 

Jack S. (dismounts, goes to the bar, followed by the boy's) 
I just aacinch a mite, (goas over and vaults on his horse, 
boy's remain at the bar filling their glasses, taking down his 
rope, he catches Billy around the neck, as they start to 
drink and jerks him down) Yer will take ther jack fromther 
bottom and cheat yer pard. 

Mex. F. (get's the drop on Jack) You just pan-out that 
rope, or 111 send leadville clear through you, what do you mean, 
(takes rope off Billy's neck with left-hand, covers Jack with 
right, re-placing his gun) 
Jack S. Only a little joke. 

Billy C. (rising and rubbing his neck) I don't call that a 
joke. 

Jack S. (wheeling his horse around, coils up his rope and 
hangs it on the saddle ) That's what a said when yer played 
one on me . 

Billy C. Now we are square. 

Jack S. Square as a four-bit piece, (showing half dollar to 
the audience, behind Billy's back 

Mex. F. (walking over to bar) Come drink up. (Jack 
pours out a drink in his glass, they all drink and set glasses 
down on the bar; 

Wild P. Jack, they tell me Old John the Baptist is quite a 
jumper. 

Jack S. (smaking his lips) Never was beat. 
Pat E. Jump him Pete to see who treats, 
Wild P. I'll go him one if I loose ! 
Jack S. Bring in yer hoss. (Pete goes out ) 

Sam E. I would like to know what this is, a hoss corral, or 
a bar-room ? 
Jack S. It's anything we turn in inter; and, some of yer 



18 THE COW-BOYS. 

will get nailed to ther floor, (tapping his gnn) If yer don't 
close your gate. 

Ee -enter Wild P. leading horse. 

Wild P. Whoa badger ! (patting his horse who stands 
) 

Pat E. Now what the divil are ye's going over one 
a nuther ? 

Billy C. I'll put up something that will make them jump, 
(takes box and keg to lays broom across) 

Sam E. That's a good jump, (turning to Jack) You 
can't hop it ! 

Jack S. Gol-dang my pictur if he clars that I'll ride Old 
John over it backward, (get's his horse who is standing / 

Mex. F. You talk like a pap-poose when you say \ou can 
ride over that backward. 

Billy C. Stay with him pard. 

Wild P. (leads his horse to ) Stand back? 

mounts and makes the jump, points to Jack) Come on ! 

Jack S. (vaults in the saddle, turns, faceing his horses 
tail) I aint so spry er I was once, but I low no long lean half 
breed call me when er got a full house, (starts for the jump, 
clears it, swings his hat. all whoop) 

Wild P. Well done hand : I'll treat ! 

Pat E. I herd he (pointing to Jack) used to pick up a glass 
of wiskey from the floor backwards between two chairs. 

Billy C. Yes, I seed him do it over on Wild Hoss Creek, 

Wild P. (dismounts) I'll bet a five it can't be done. 

Jack S. I'll kiver it with ar eagle, (throws gold piece on 
the floor, also his hat and is all excited) 

Mex, F. (picking up the coin ) I'll hold the stakes, hold- 
out his hand to Pete who drops in a $5 bill and leads his 
horse > 

Pat E. I'll assist, (walking over to Mex. F. If ye nade a 
rope. 

Sam E. Jack ! That must be done out doors, a bar-room is 
no place for a circus . 

Jack S. I never picked up any wiskey out er doors yit and 
I aint going prospecting now. 



THE COW-BOYS. 19 

Sam E. Well there is do room for it in here; and where 
would we stand ? 

Re-enter Wild Peie, door 

Pat E . Stand be dang-ed ! Sit on the bar and hold the 
good staff down, or, he may make a mistake and pick up the 
whole shooting match. 

Mex. F. Come, never mind him and get ready. 

Jack S. Bill Cook, yer place ther chairs, and no dang 
cheating. 

Billy C. (placing chairs at ) Get out your corn 

juice ! 

Same E. (filling glass and giving it to Billy) There you 
are. 

Billy C. Now mind you don't spill it. (sets the glass 
down on the floor between the two chairs, get up on the bar 
followed by Pete, Pat, Mex. F., Pat jumps down again, goes 
to the glass, drinks half J Ha ! \\ hat are you doing ? 

Pat iS. Oh, I just took a we sup to S33 if it was whiskey. 

Sam E. Do you think I would keep anything but good 
whiskey ? 

Pat E. Oh no, but a calf in the corral is worth two out- 
side. Cgets up on bar again smacking his lips) 

Mex, F. (loohing at Pat) Now are you satisfied ? 

Pat E. (laughing) Yes, when I git the other half. 

Billy C. Look out, he's ready. 

Jack S. (patting his horse) Whoa John? take er easy 
(lets his horse go, who juoaps while Jack picks up glass from 
the floor) They all whoop. (Jack rides back to dis- 

mounts, pats his horse) Yer a ' ; Jim Dandy !" 

Pat E. ( whoops, throws up his hat, twirls gun and starts 
to jig, music, Jack pats time, Pat stops jiging, picks up his 
hat, fans himself, goes and replaces chairs) 

Mex. F. (slaps Jack on the the back) Well done pard. 
(hands him the money) 

Jack S. (counting) Well that's good interest ! 

Wild P. (going to Jack) How do you do that ? 

Pat. E. (feeling lively) How did ye do that now ? Aint 
that a nice question to be asking, How did ye do it, did'nt ye 



20 THE COW-BOYS. 

see. 

*vild P. Well yes, but I— 

Pat E. There was no well's there, it was a glass of old red 
eye, and ye'll niver see yer $5 dollars again. 

Wild P. Oh, I don't car 3 for that. 

Pat E. Nor I nathur, win I can't git it back. 

Sam E. Why don't you try him, Pat? 

Pat E. I'm no rider. 

Mex. F. Try him a game of pool. 

Billy C. (who is taking with Jack) Say pard, did you 
hear that ? 

Jack S. (surprised ) Hear what ? 

Billy C. (pointing) Pat says he'll go you a gam 3 of pool. 

Jack S. I'll go him if I loose a hoof ! 

Mex. F. You'll keep on looseing your hoofs till you'll walk 
on your shin bone . 

Jack S. I never lost ary er one yet. ( putting out his foot 
and starting for the cue rack gets one down, returns 

where the rest are standing, banging it on the floor) 

Pat E. Oh be-gor-ra, I inane on hoss back. 

Wild P. Now you got him ! 

Jack S. (who is getting quite tipsy, staggers back to cue 
rack puts away cue, takes off his hat, scratches his 

head and goes straight for the bar) That's al-iurs my luck. 

Pat E. Are ye going to shoot ? 

Jack S. (counting his money) I'll roll yer a game, git yer 
critter. (Pat goes out door for his horse . 

Billy C. Now Jack, you watch the cut. 

Jack S. I'll head him. 

Mex. F. Come hands give them lots of rope to play on. 
(they all step back) 

Wild P. I'll bet you are hoodooed. 

Sam E. Snub him, Jack. 

Jack S. Do yer hands think I'm er silver bank ? 

Re-enter Pat leading his horse. 

Pat E. I wish ye was for awhile. 
Jack S. (mounts his horse and rides to cue rack 
selects cue, holds it up, looks at it with one eye) I reckon as 



THE COW-BOYS. 21 

how I moat roll with this un. 

Sam E. Cook, you place them, (hand Cook the pool balls 
who places them on the pool table and steps back) 

Pat E. (mounting his horse rides to cue rack selects 

cue, rides to pool tabJe and chalks his cue) That's a fine stick. 
Sam E. (laughing) AH O. K ! Cook, you attend game. 
Jack S. ( reeling in his saddle) Scatter ther bunch. 
Pat E. Here goes to the widdy (shoots, scattering balls all 
over table, one drops in pocket) Ho-ho, me buck-o, I have ye ! 
(shoots again, ball drops) Ha-ha, anuthur ! Mon down, 
(shoots again, missed) Ah bad luck to ye. 

Billy C. 'placing balls in rack ) Now, Jack Sutton, 

lets us see you shoot, and don't tear the blanket. 

Jack S. (p.epairing to shoot) That yaller pinto for ther 
small chute, (shoots ball, drops in pocket) I knowed I could 
wing yer. That brown hoss with ther knocked hip fur ther 
side corral, (shoots again, ball drops I reckon ther comin to 
fast, can't tie em down: that sneaking (pointing with cue) 
coyote fur ther corner hole, (.shoots and missed) Never 
could kill er tarnal coyote ! (steps horse back and goes to 
sleep) 

Pac E. (looking at Jack) Are ye tired? (shoots, ball 
drops) Ho-ho me girl; Dinnis O'Brien (pointing his cne) fur 
the C3rn3r, (shoots ball drops) I'll wake him. whin the game 
ends. O'Rafferty for the side, (shoots ball and missed) 

Mex. F. (goes over to Jack, taps him on the head 
Stamped ! (Jack awakes quick, looks around in surprise) 
Come, finish the gamt. 

Jack S. (rubbing his eyes) That sleeping beauty (point) 
ting his cue) Fur ther side door, (shoots ball, drops( Nuther 
gone ter jine Old Kit; Old Big Toe fur ther cornerjpen, (shoots 
ball, drops) Mite er known I could rope him. Calamity Jane 
fur ther (pointing his cue) off side; (shoots, ball drops) 
Wiskey Peat fur ther nigh corner; (shoots, ball drops) Kun_ 
ning Elk fur the centre tepee; (shoots ball and missed) 
Never did have ary luck with er Injun. 

Pat E. His royal highness for the side; (shoot, ball drops) 
That hathan China for this corner. Pointing cue, shoots and 
missed. Billy goes to Pat and whispers in his ear, they 



22 THE COW-BOYS. 

smile and point at Jack) 

Jack S. Ther Arkansaw traveler fur ther back door; 
(pointing his cue) nuther passed in his checks. Old Misquite 
Ike fur the long (pointing his cue) end, O ther branding 
chute; runs just like it had ther cork out. That small 
(pointing his cue) gopher fur ther end hole: (shoots ball and 
missed) I al-lurs said I never could see ther holes in the dark. 

Pat E. Saint Patrick for the end; (shoots, ball drops) 
Here's where I win. Grineral O'Maretty fur (.pointing his 
cue) Tammany Hall; (shoots ball and missed) Oh the divil 
take ye. (steps back smiling as Billy takes ball and goes 
over to ball rack takes one from Jack's row and places 

it with Pat's, they laugh but Jack who rides around table 
scratching his head, then rides to ball rack and counts 

balls while Billy places the balls for a hard shot. 

Billy C. One more, pard, and the game is yours. 

Jack S. (stops counting, rides once around the pool table) 
Here goes fur ther king pin, O ther out-fit ! (horse raises and 
places his fore feet on the pool table, Jack shoots under his 
horse's neck, makes the shot and wins the game They all 
whoop) 

QUICK DROP. 



THE COW-BOYS. 23 

Act II. 

Scene.— Daniel Mead's ranch. Billy C. is seated on bench 
cleaning six shooter. Jack S. is seated on 
wiping bridle and saddle as curtain rises. 

Enter Horse 

Adolph C. (horse takes Adolph across from to 

on his stomach holding on to rope) Whoa dar ! Whoa 
dar ! Yo old fool yo, wait I git on yo back, I done lamb baste 
yo, I reck-nize who is yo. 

Enter Broncho N. with saddle. 

Billy C. (stops cleaning six shooter, looks up) What's the 
matter with that nigger ? 

Broncho N. (drops saddle takes off his cow -whip) 

That old brown hoss is giving him a sleigh-ride without 
license. 

Jack S. (stops wiping, looks up) That yaller nigger will 
keep on er monkeying with ther rope till he gets kicked whar 
he takes his coffee, (spitting) 

Billy C. (lights pipe) I reckon you are right, pard. 

Broncho N. (starts to plait popper) Bill, things are about 
as lively here as mud pies . It's three days since I straddled 
a broncho, I'm getting knee sprung just packing this old car- 
cass around. 

Billy C. (smoking) I reckon you'll get all the busting you 
want, before long, as the boss has dickered for a bunch of 
Spanish half-breeds for cow-hosses; and, Pete says "they are 
all wild and wolly and old as Davy Crockett and take your 
likeness free o charge, head down." A Jack? 

Jack S. (spitting Can't say about that, fur Ned aint no 
tenderfoot and sticks like a Mexican wood-tick, (they all 
stop work and listen.) 

Billy C. (gets up, knocks tobacco out of pipe) Some one 
is coming full spin, I'll take a squint and see who it mout be. 
(goes out ) 

Broncho N. That Bill Cook is a lively puncher. 
Jack S. (bitting plug tobacco) Yes, he's more lively when 



24 THE C0W-B0Y6. 

er wake than asleep; but, a good squar feeder when he feels 
well. 

Re-enter Billy C. 

Bronbho N. Who is it Bill ? (arising) 

Billy C. It s Jim Burns, the foreman, and he is riding to 
beat the wind and that means trail work, darn the work ! I 
rather lay at the ranch. 

Broncho N. (pops cow whip and whoop's) Now for the 
fun. 

Enter Jim Burns on horse back. 

Jim B. (stops horse dismounts, goes to Ned, shakes 

hands 
How do you do old pard, glad to see you with us. 

Jack S. (aside It mout be some one wuss. 

Jim B (dropping Ned's hand) Boys, I saw the boss in 
town and the word is go after those critters at once, so get 
your outfits ready as we hit the road at sun up to-morro w 
and must strike camp on Bushy Creek Saturday night: and 
to-day is Thursday. I'll see about the chuck for I'm as 
hungry as a timber wolf, and, I think Buck Shot can spoil 
some hay. (unsaddles horse and places saddle leads 

horse out re-enter throws bridle on saddle and 

enter cabin) 

Bronch N. v whoops and pops cow- whip) We'll pitch camp 
on Wild Hoss Creek to-morrow night, and all gin up for they 
are good people, there full of fun, and as lively as a Jack rab- 
bit, (coils up cow- whip, ties it on his saddle.; 

Billy C. You are right there, Ned, for me and pard (laughs 
was over there to a hop last New Year's Eve, and, talk about 
fun, why there was more people there than there is here and 
old "tangle foot !" why, a whole mess wagon of it; and, you 
aught to have been there too, and seen Jack Sutton swing 
that maiden. 

Broncho N. (laugh and slaps his thigh) What Jack Sut- 
ton dance? say, people, I would gin my old pinto, pack kay- 
use, and, lost an eye tooth, to have been there and seen Jack 



THE COvV-BOYS. 25 

swing, for I did'nt think he could turn in a Murphy wagon. 

Billy C. (laughs) Well, he spun a/ound, all same, and 
said it was head fun next day. 

B«:oncho N. ishif ting six shooter) Say Jack, how is that? 
Jack S. (excited pulls at his boot straps) Well, he ^point- 
ing to Bill) axed me ter go ter a dance with him over on 
vVild Hoss Creek, and it's want my nature ter fuse Bill; so, I 
went and he did git ther laugh on me, fur I told him I was 
sartan I could dance; but when they commence ter call off in 
ther new fandango way, I found I was as un sartan about 
dancing as a mules heel; and, its as Bill said they danced and 
he danced and I spun around; but, I had gone to far ter back 
out. so I gin my left side ter a gal and we hit ther floor, then 
ther music struck up "Yankee Doodle" and all hands shook 
ther pins. Well. I could'nt dance ter that tune, could'nt larn 
ter dang tune when I went ter school, but all ther gal's said I 
was ther best dancer there, so; I kept on deck, till I busted 
both spenders, then ther all broke camp. 

Bronoho N. v Bill and Ned langh but Jack looks angry J 
Well Jack, Bill did have the cinch on you, so we'll chew of 
him and he buys drinks when we strike the Creek. 

Jack S. (Bill hands plug to Ned who bites of a chew and 
passes it to Jack who bites off a chew and puts it in his 
pocket) Hell buy more than one drink when I tell on him . 

Broncho N. What did he do ? Come pan out. 

Jack S. Well, arter the dance he said (listening) 

Broncho N. Spit her out pard, he told on you. 

Jack S, Bill says, "will yer git in harness ?" 

Enter Daniel Mead on horse back. 

Daniel M. How are you boys V 

Billy C, Twice two and one to carry. 

Daniel M. (smileing, looking from one to another) How 
are you Jack ? 

JackS. (sober) Poor as skim-milk. 

Daniel M. Is Burns around? (dismounts leaves horse 
standing ) 

Jack S. Yes, he arove a smart spell ago; he's in ther shack 
I reckon. 



26 THE COW-BOYS. 

Billy C. Ned wher's is that plug of chewing ? 

Broncho N. Jack's got it in his breeches pocket. 

Billy C. (extending hand to Jack) I'll just relieve you of 
that weed. 

Jack S. (takes plug out of his pocket, bites off a chew and 
hands it to Billy) As you axed me civil, I'll oblige you and 
loan it. 

Enter Mead and Burns from Cabin, 

Jim B. Take tnat hoss and give him something to chew, 
Cook goes to horse, unsaddles him, places saddle leads 

horse out followed by Ned and Jack) 

Daniel M. When do you think you will be ready to start 
and what way will you head V 

Jim B. We'll start to-morrow at sun up, camp at Wild 
Hoss Creek, to-morrow night; Bushy Creek, Saturday night, 
and pitch camp until Monday. Take the three notch trail to 
Weavers Landing, there ford the Misquite, head north west, 
pass Cliff ton Ranch to the right. 

Daniel M. Why not head north from Buohy Creek and cut 
off Weavers Landing ? 

Jim B. We are apt to mire down Fording Mud Creek, and 
can make better time by keeping the trail. 

Daniel M. stakes out his book and gives instructions to 
Burns) Round up and cut out one hundred head of beef 
steers for William Bros., Chicago; drive to Turns Point, where 
you will find cars waiting; cut out eighty head of two year 
olds for Morgan & Co., drive them to Cliff ton Creek where the 
Morgan Out-fit will handle them; then, let the boys bring in 
that bunch of Mexican hosses and pick out what we need and 
set the boys to breaking. Keep your eyes open and let me 
known when you return, as 1 may be at the Fort. (.Mead goes 
out ) 

Re-enter Ned Billy and Jack. 

Jim B. Jack, pick two hosses to the man and have them 
ready at the first streak of day. ^Jack goes out ) Ned 

just look to the pack outfit. ( Ned goes out ) Come 



THE COW-BOYS. 27 

Cook, help me with the chuck. (Burns and Billy go in 
cabin) 

Re-enter Ned with pack saddle, places it Re- 

enter Burns from cabin with coffee pot and frying pan fol- 
lowed by Billy with blankets and cups, they place them 
Re-enter Jack singing Jordan bread) Got them cor- 

raled? 

Jack S. Every critter. 

Jim B. Come hands chuck is ready, let's chew and turn in. 
(they all enter cabin) 

Enter Adolph from Cabin. 

Adolph C. ^wiping his brow with bandana) Good lord 
how dem folk's do eat ! Sprect der won't be nuffin left for dis 
poor coon ter chew on. (walks around with hands in his 
pocket looking up, goes back of cabin) 

Re-enter Burns from Cabin. 

Jim B. Adolph ! Come here you black rascal. 

Adolph C. Yes boss, I's comin. 

Jim B. Git a lope on yourself : (re-enter Adolph from 
back of cabin) Have grub at four o'clock sharp and no ex- 
cuse for not having it waiting. (Adolph walks around 
whistling low) 

Re-enter Ned Billy and Jack from Cabin. 

Billy C. I reckon I'll take an extra blanket with me. (goes 
to get blanket) 

Broncho N. (goes to gets blanket) We'll all need 

one before morning, (goes out followed by Billy) 

Jack S. All young chickens need ter be kivered well this 
time o'year. (bites off a chew replaces plug in his pocket, 
goes out 

Adolph C. Dog-gone dem folks in such a hurry fo de brek- 
fus, why don't dey eat it night-a-fo; and not keep spectible 
people up all night waiting on dem. De good paper done say 
do unto others just like you want em to git back at you. 
(kneels) 



28 THE C0W-B0Y8. 

Now I'se lay me down to sleep, 

Hope cow-puncher fry dat meat; 
Put on de coii'ee, make de bread, 
And let dis nigger sleep in bea. 
) arises goes out ) 

Scene 2 Horses in corral rolks all asleep, soft music 

throughout scene. Time, Night. 

Enter Burns from Cabin. 

Jim B. (goes to pail, takes a drink, pours remainder in 
wash basin, washes his face, dries on towel, takes off hat, 
aranges hair with his hand, empty out water from basin, 
Music stops) Adolph ! Git out that nest, come button! 
(Jook, don't sleep all day ! Broncho Ned ! Shake your 
blankets, (goes out > 

Enter Adolph C. rubbing his eyes, goes chops 

wood for breakfast, goes in cabin, starts fire. Enter Jack S. 

followed by Ned and Billy, they go get bricues 

go out return leading horses bridled which they 

saddle 

Adolph C. (from inside; Roll in cher boys, de brekfus am 
done on de table. 

Re-enter Burns 

Jim B. Well boys, we'll git on the road in good season. 
goe3 in cabin ) 

Jack S. (aside) Al-lus do. throwing Burns bridle, reins 
over the horn of his saddle, followed by Ned and Billy, also 
lead rope of pack horse, leaves his horse standing ) 

Stand thar yer beauty, (follows Ned and Billy in Cabin) 
Music. 

Re-enter Burns from Cabin. 

Jim B. Adolph, bring out that chuck, (enter Adolph 
from cabin with his arms full of biscuits. Re-enter Ned, Jack 
and Billy from cabin) We just take a bite and not strike 
camp at noon as I want to save time, (cow-boys take three 



THE COW-BOYS. 29 

biscuits apiece and place them in their saddle pockets roll up, 
their slicker^ and tie them on saddles, Adolph goes around 
takes biscuit out of saddle pockets and puts them in his shirt 
front, goes in cabin) Ned, is the pack ready ? 

Broncho N. Ill have it fixed directly ! (ties on coffee pot, 
frying pan blankets etc.) lhere you are. (slaping pack horse 
on his hip) 

Jim B. (mounting) Are you all ready. 

Billy O. Already, (they mount and ride out ) 

Scene 3. Log Cabin with door, bench, step etc. 

Enter Adolph C. from Cabin with tin plate. 

Adolph C. I just save dem fo de missis (takes biscuits 
out from front of his shirt and places them on tin plate J She 
won't no dem when dey gits warmed up fo dis am such poor 
floor, but I never could drink second-hand coffee, so I'll just 
make some new and keep it hot for Miss Dorothy, (goes in 
cabin. Re-enter from cabin singing and doing wing steps, 
stops dancing looks around) Well, dem folks am done gone, 
and, de goodness knows, I's aint sorry fo dey can't do numn 
less dey axed my vice, (slips suspender off his shoulder, 
crawls under bench in front of cabin to take a nap; 

Enter Dorothy M. from Cabin. 

Dorothy M. (comes out to wash but finds water pail empty) 
Adolph! Aiolph! Oh where are yoa? — you can never be 
found when you are wanted, (goes and fills pail from spring 
returns, places pail on bench, goes in cabin Adolph 
reaches up gets drink of water and goes to sleep again. Re- 
enter Dorothy from cabih, washes, combs and braids hair, 
empty water from basin on Adolph who sneaks out from 
under bench crawls back of cabin) Oh ! I do wish Pa-pa 
would give up ranching and move in town where I could have 
some companion of my own sex; but Pa-pa would never be 
contented there, so I must not complain 

Entar Bertha and Edith Young on horse back, 

(looking up in surpise) Good morning girls, ho w do you do 
Oh ! I am so glad to see you, and just in time for breajd^st. 



30 THE COW-BOYS. 

Berth Y. We can not stay as we promised Mabel to be over 
early and she will be waiting for us. 

Dorothy M. Oh, do have a cup of coffee and something to 
eat for you must be hungry ! 

Edith Y. Well I think I can do justice to some coffee for a 
morning ride always gives one an appitite. (Bertha and 
Edith dismount, leave horses standing go and 

kiss Dorthy) 

Dorothy M. Adolph ! Adolph ! 

Adolph C. (in the distant) Yes Miss Dorothy, I's comin. 

Bertha Y. Dorothy, Mabel said we should be sure and 
bring you with us. 

Edith Y. Please do not disa point us. 

Dorothy M. I don't see how I can, yet it would be cruel to 
disapoint Mabel, (enter Adolph with hoe on shoulder 

and basket in his hand) Wnere have you been all morning ? 

Adolph C. (taking off his hat ) l's done been down in de 
tater patch hoeing, just got fro; did'nt sprect it am so late 
Miss Dorothy, (goes and hangs hoe and basket on cabin, 
walks out* / 

Dorothy M. Adolph ! 

Adolph C. (behind ) Yes, Miss Doiothy. 

Dorothy M. Saddle and bridle Comanche at once. Come, 
the coffee is waiting, (enter cabin, Bertha and Edith re- 
main standing j 

Edith Y. How kind in her to think of us. 

Bertha Y. Yes, Dorothy, she is so much like her mother ! 
Always thinking of others before herself, how she must miss 
her. 

Re-enter Dorothy M. from cabin with cups, coffee and nap- 
kins on plate. Edith takes cup, coffee and napkin goes to 
bench and is seated. Dorothy sits on door sill. Bertha re- 
mains standing, leaning against cabin. 

Bertha Y. Oh how delicious ! 

Edith Y. And such flavor ! 

Dorothy M. Yet, sometimes I prefer good spring water. 

Edith Y. It is very tempting. 

Enter Adolph C. leading horse. 



THE COW-BOYS. 31 

Adolph C. (taking off his hat) Comanche am done ready, 
Miss Dorothy. 

Dorothy M. i Bertha and Edith place cup and napkin on 
plate; 1 11 not keep you waiting, (enter cabin with cup etc. 
lie-enter with hat in hand, they mount and ride out / 

Adolph C. (standing) Well de folks am done gone on a 
jollification : so I's gwine to joy myself dis mawnin. (enter 
cabin. Re-enter with banjo and chair, goes down 
plays banjo and sings. Stops, looks over head) I reckon dis 
am a fine day to cotch fish suah. (enter cabin with banjo 
and chair) 

Enter Mrs. Wallace from Cabin with broom. 

Mrs. W. 'sweeping) The girls are rather late this morn- 
ing; (stops sweeping, places hand over eyes) I hope they 
have not met with an accident at the ford. (drops hand 
trurns quick) Oh my there's that speckled hen out again. 
(goes out ) 

Enter Bertha, Edith and Dorothy on horse back. 

Enter Mabel W. on horse back. 

Mabel W. Good morning girls, (shaking hands; Oh ! 
I'm so glad you have come, I had almost given up seeing you 
to>day. 

Edith Y. We where late starting. 

Bertha Y. Betier late than never. 

Dorothy M. And just in time for dinner ! 

Mabel W. Which Ma-ma will soon have ready and while 
we are waiting let's practice those songs. (Turn horses, ride 
down Horses bow, girls sing, turn horses, ride up 

Bertha and Dorothy go out Mabel and Edith 

go out. Re-enter Bertha, Dorothy Mable and Edith 

ride down Horses, pitch, girls sing, turn 

horses, ride up Bertha and Dorothy go out 

Mabel and Edith go out Re-enter Bertha and Dorothy 

Mabel and Edith ride down Horses lie 

down, girls sing, horses remain down 

QUICK DROP. 



32 THE COW-BOYS. 



Act III. 



Scene. ^-On the plains. Landscape in Curtain 

rises. 

Enter Billy C. and Jack S. on horse back, stop horses. 

Jack S. I wonder whar Burns is and what keeps him so 
long. 

Billy C. I don't know unless he stopped at Deer Creek 
Ranch to see old man Wallace about a chuck wagon. 

Jack S. What ails our old Ark. (dismounts, sits down) 

Billy C. (dismounts, leans on horse) Why Sleepy Ike 
broke it last night when he ran in that badger hole. 

Jack S. I suppose he's glad on it. 

Billy C. (taking off hat) Who do you mean? 

Jack S. (scratching head) Jim Burns ! 

Billy C. Don't see what difference it makes to him. (re_ 
placing hat) 

Jack S. Bill Cook you act like an old one horn steer, never 
could see a hole when anybody wanted to drive you through 
it. 

Billy C. Look here you know as well as I. that we have 
got to take a chuck wagon or go without chewing. 

Jack S. I won't go without chewin. 

Billy C. Why. 

Jack S. Play, Jim Burns hand. 

Billy C. What's that. 

Jack S. Go over on Deer Creek and visit some dear little 
gal, for I heard say as how they where dead stuck on pun- 
chers. 

Billy C. W T ell she is a very nice girl. 

Jack S. They are all slick till you git in harness with en 
and then then commence to rnn back and pitch and when 
wimin git ter pitching, ther is no 

Billy C. Shut up, here comes Burns. 

Enter Jim B. on horse back. 

Jack S. (looking at Jim B.) loose ther trail (spitting) 
Jim B. Oh-no (laugh) What made you think that. 



THE COW-BOYS. 33 

Jack S. Look's like you had (spitting) ter run fur it. 

Jim B. Well, a man don't like to run without a good 
cause, and I am sure I had no cause to run. 

Jack S. Look's like yer heap will pan out with er full 
hand. 

Billy C. (laugh) How did you find things at the Creek? 

Jim B. All in a flutter; but no wagon to home. 

Jack S. (aside) I know'd it. (spitting) 

Billy C. Where is it ? 

Jim B. Down to the Diamond G. Ranch, so I'll have to 
send one of you boys after a fore- wheel. 

Billy C. Send Sutton, he likes a wing. 

Jack S. Yer gettin to sassy and need a little chap oil. 
spitting) 

Jim B. Jack, just slip over there while your resting. 

Jack S. (gets up, mounts, aside) That's er nice thing ter 
pack on er cow-hoss, but here goes, prides out ) 

Billy C. (laugh) The longer he lives the better he gits. 

Jim B. Yes, but he don't, (dismounts ) 

Enter Wild P. on horse back) 

Wild P. Jim, Sleepy Ike wants to know what he will do 
with that old chariot ? 

Jim B. We'll soon have him so he can move his freight, I 
sent Sutton in his be-half. 

Billy C. Yes, and he'll ride to beat the breeze, for he 
started off looking kind o'side ways. 

Wild P. I'll bet a tin horn he'll rowl that kayuse every 
jump. 

Billy C. (looking and pointing ) There he comes 

full spin. 

Jim B. Has Broncho Ned got back ? 

Wild P. Yes, he's down with Frank Close herding. 

Re- enter Jack S. on horse back with wheel. 

Jack S. Here is your gol-dang wing. 

Billy C. What are you in for ? 

Wild P. Well, you behind the bars again, (laugh) 



34 THE COW-BOYS. 

Jack S. (angry) Not for stealing sheep, (lets wheel drop 
Burns catches it; 

Jim B. Come Pete, pack this wheel and the rest of you 
waddy's, get a move on ! (.hands wneel to Pete, mounts 
his horse, rides out Billy mounts rides out fol- 

lowed by Pete) 

Jack S. (pointing afrer Cook) I choke him fur that (dis- 
mounts places bottle mounts rides out laugh > 

Re-enter Billy C. on horse back. 

Billy C. estops, looks at bottle, dismounts, picks it up, 
pointing after Sutton) If he knew this he would'nt sleep on 
the whole round-up : Here goes for prospecting, (drink, 
spits and shakes his head) Oh lord, geese and Jack rabbits 
that's old Sutton, Rheuniatis liniment mite a known he never 
left anything good behind. 

Enter Pat E. on horse back. 

Pat E. Oh-ho me fine lad, I caught ye this time, give me 
the bottle, till I have a we sup. 

Billy C. You don't need any of this. 

Pat E. Aint I been dying with thirst this past two hours. 

Billy C. (hands him bottle) Here pass in your checks. 

Pat E. Here's to the jack pot. 

Billy C. (winking) Let her flow ! 

Pat E. (drinks, spits, drops bottle, jumps etc. (Oh ! be the 
holy pipers ye dirty mean, sneakin sheap thief, ye dirty black - 
gaurd to give a man such stuff to drink ! 

Billy C. (doubling up his fist at Pat) Look a here, you 
green gopher, call me that again and I'll knock all your front 
grinders out ! 

Pat E. (dancing around for fight) You will, you will will 
ye? (makes a mark with his foot) Toe that, thin, and I'll 
put a new horn on your face. 

Billy C. (makes a rush at Pat) You'll never ! 

Re-enter Wild P. on horse back. 

Wild P. Hold on, Hold on, what's all this row about ? 



THE COW-BOYS. 35 

Pat E. (pointing) Pick up that old black bottle and taste 
it. 

Wild P. (laugh) Taste it? What's that got to do with 
you and Cook ? 

Pat E. Taste it did ye, say? divil a taste fur me I had one. 
( Cook langh) Laugh will ye ? I'll put a muzzle (jumps for 
Cook) 

Billy C. (jumps for Pat) Hold on ! You (they clinch) 

Wild P. vdismounts) What ails you two fools? parting 
them ) 

Pat E. Whin I come in, says Cook, do you want a drink 
of good wiskey? 1 do says I; well, here says he, and he give 
me the bottle. I took a nip and it near burnt out me second 
tongue. 

Billy C. That's a lie, you took the bottle. 

Pat E. I did, did I? (jumping around) 

Billy C. Yes, you did. (laugh) 

Pat E. Thin I did, be-gor-ra ! If I thought you give it to 
me I'd shut off your wind machine. 

Wild P. What's in the bottle? 

Billy C. Don't know, I was com in up the trail, and saw 
something glitter in the grass, so I stopped, got off to see 
what it was, picked it up, when, along comes his royal sir 
tpointing at Pat) and wanted a drink, so I gave it to him. 

Wild P. Did he drink it ? 

Billy C. He just lowed it was whiskey and run it down. 

Wild P. Did'nt, you know what it was. 

Billy C. No, he did'nt give me time to find out. 

Pat E. (picking up bottle) It aint to late now, and, you 
can drink to your hearts content, (hands bottle to Cook then 
to Wild P) 

Billy C. I don't want it. 

Wild P. Whew, what a smell ! 

Pat E. And it tastes a divilish sight worse ! ^Cook laugh) 

Wild P. (takes bottle and scents it, laugh) Thunder ! 
Hand, did you drink that? Why, that's old Sutton's liniment 
he sent to town for and he'll be as mad as a wounded elk, if he 
finds out who dumped it. 

Billy C. I did'nt turn it out. 



36 THE COW-BOYS. 

Pat E. Well, don't say I did. 

Wild P. (tossing bottle ) I'll throw it avay and 

say nothing about it, he'll think he lost it. 

Pat E. He did, and Bill Cook found it. 

Billy C. Yes, and you swallow'd it. 

Pat E. Bad luck to the likes of ye ! 

Wild P. Well, drop it. 

Pat E. That's what he did. 

Billy C. (pointing ) Keep still, here comes Burns, 

(they mount) 

Re-enter Jim B. on horse bock. 

Jim B. What's up, going to take a lay off? (looks around) 

Pat E. The sun! (laughter) 

Jim B. (looking at Pat) I'll see that you ride a bucker 
before sun down. 

Pat E. I'd ride a dozen if me back was well. 

Billy C. No, one at a time will do. 

Wild P. Give him Old Slippery Elm. he'll make him ride. 

Billy C. Yes, and he'll want to take out his license. 

Jim B. Well Pat, you ride Slippery Elm. (Billy and Pete 
whoop) 

Pat E. Oh ! Mr. Burns, me back's to sore, (holds hand 
on his back) 

Wild P. He'll take the Kink out of it. 

Jim B. You are always troubled with some disease when 
you got to ride. 

Billy C. Yes if he swallows his head, he'll snap your neck. 

Pat E. You niver axed me whin I'm well to ride. 

Jim B. You are never well. 

Pat E. (aside I'll not ride him anyway) I'll do me best. 

Jim B. You can all ride when you have to, so get him up 
here, (rides out ) 

Wild P. Are you goin to ride him ? 

Pat E. Back luck to his dirty hide, I'll go and rope him 
up now. (rides out ) 

Billy C. Burns looks like he was mad. ? 

Wild P. (scratching his head) Well, Pat goes to far. 



THE COW-BOYS. 37 

Billy C. Yes. (takes off hat, spins it arouni on fore- 
finger) but, he's kind o'good-natured. 

Wild P. You are right, pard, he is sort o'good-natured; 
but, I tell you, that won't sit that hoss. 

Billy C. Well, I don't think he will ride him. 

Wild P. Why, what drove that in your thinker ? 

Billy C. Oh, I know Pat too well : he'll run a game of 
bluff, an some other buster will ride ther hoss. 

Wild P. No; No; talk cow-sense; Pat can't get out of it this 
time, for I heard Burns say that hoss had got to be rid to-day. 

Billy C. I'll bet you six bits he don't ride him. 

Wild P. It's a go. (shake hands) 

Billy C. Come (mounts), on We had better spin along, 
or he'll give us a bucker. 

Wild P. I want to (mounts) see Pat make his ride. 

Billy C. Oh, we'll be back before he rides. (Billy and 
Pete ride out ) 

Re-enter Pat E. leading Slippery Elm. 

Pat E. (shaking his fist after Pete) Ye want to see him 
do ye ? Well he will not ride this day, (scratching head) 
but I don't see how to get out of it. (turning in saddle point- 
ing) Ah, here comes me old friend, Jack Sutton, I get him to 
help me saddle the slippery mon : thin he can ride him. 

Re-enter Jack S. stops 

Jack S. Been fish in ? 

Pat E. Yis, don't ye think I caught a Jim Hickey ? 

Jack S. Oh, considerin. (speaking to horse) Go on. 

Pat E. Hold on. Jack; help me bridle this gent, as I hurt 
me hand taking me dalleys. 

Jack S. Whoa ! (stops, dismounts, leaves horse standing 
) I'll lend a hand if yer right smart about it. Goes and 
puts handkerchief over horse's eyes and helps put on Pat's 
saddle) What are yer goin ter ride him fur ? 

Pat E. I wus goin to ride him fur Pete, as he hurt his back 
last night, and axed me if I would'nt git ye ter ride him; but I 
did'nt like to ask so much of ye, and now how will I get on 
with me sore hand. 



38 THE COW-BOYS. 

Jack S. Well. I spose it's alright; but, I don't see what 
they want ter use this tarnal old out-law fur. 

Pat E. (holding his hand) Be- dad, I'll have to git ye' s ter 
ride him after all. 

Jack S. Well, I'll ride at it, considerin Pete wants him fid. 
(mounts and rides) 

Re-enter Burns and Wild P. 

Re-enter Billy C. and Mex. F. 

Billy C. (laugh points at Pete) I told you. Come, hand 
over that six bits. Music. 

QUICK DROP. 



Act IV. 



Scene. — In Camp. — Ike is seated on pack saddle chin 

resting in his hand and elbows on his knees, singing softly as 
curtain rises. 

Enter Mex. F. on horse back. 

Mex. F. Hel-lo, Ike, what do you know ? 

Sleepy I. Nuthin, only I heard tell ther's er Injun weddin 
over on Onion Creek. 

Mex. F. I'd like to be over there an see it. 

Sleepy I. Yes, I s'pose so; but there invites don't go to a 
cow puncher. 

Mex, F. Any of the cow-hands showed up. (dismounts) 

Sleepy I. No; but they will be here soon, fur I just saw 
them come over the divide. They ride like a hungry set, and 
I mount as .well start fire, gets up, stretches arms) 

Mex. F. Yes, and have old flap jacks. I most forgot how 
they taste. 

Sleepy I. I wish you had to cook 'em. It's no fun cooking 
flaps fur a hungry cow-out-fit, 

Enter Jim B. on horse back. 



THE COW-BOYS. 39 

Jim B. Whew snake peters and cheese, (dismounts) 

Sleepy I What's up ! Stampede or man dro wn'd ? 

Jim B. No; but it was so hot the tail end of the day. 

Mex. F. Whar was you ? 

Jim B. Down in ther lower basin, and it was hot enuf to 
crack the back of a turtle. 

Sleepy I Jimmine geese wax, I did'nt feel him. 

Mex. F. Who? (mounts) 

Sleepy I. Mr. Hot. 

Jim B. Where was you? (smiled and mounts) 

Sleepy I. Asleep under the grub wagon. 

Jim B. (nods his head) I'll take good care you don't sleep 
to-night- (rides out ) 

Mex. F. Yes; give him double watch, (rides out ) 

Enter Pat E. on horse back. 

Pat E. Whoa ! Barney, v stops horse ) Hel-lo, Ike. 

Sleepy I. Hel-lo, yourself. 

Pat E. Ike. 

Sleepy I. What. 

Pat E. (.scratching his head; Did ye see ary a mon around 
here that looks like me-self ? 

Sleepy I. (surly) Yes. 

Pat E. Name the ginileman. laugh dismounts) 

Sleepy I. Old Commodore. 

Pat E. Who's mother is he the father of ? 

Sleepy I. (smiles) Jack Sutton's old trained stear. 

Pat E. What did he train him to do ? Eat grass ? 

Sleepy I. He larned him to jump rope last Winter, and 
they say there's a fortune in it fur him. 

Pat E. Why don't he take it out of him and give up 
punching cows, i smiles) 

Sleepy I. He is goin to take him to the fairs this Fall. 

Pat E. Fur what? 

Sleepy I. To jump rope, I told you. 

Pat E. To jump rope, did ye say? Look a'here Ike 
(catches Ike by the arm) That's enuther one of your whap- 
pers. Jump rope, is it : Now, how in the name of me father 
can an old clumsy steer jump rope whin he has'nt divil a hand 



40 THE COW-BOYS. 

to turn a string ? (laugh and walks around) 

Sleepy I. (pointing at Pat) He's thicker nor wagon grease. 

Pat E. What's that ye say ? 

Sleepy I. I said he could. 

Pat E. I'll bet he can't; come, now, (puts hand in his 
pocket don't be a snake in the grass. 

Sleepy I. What'U you bet. 

Pat E. A quart of good taquile. 

Sleepy I. You loose, (goes to ) Hel-lo, Jack. 

Jack S. S. (in the distant) What do you want? 

Sleepy j. Come up the line. 

Pat E. (aside) Loose, did he say ? (winking) I can see 
me comin now with er stick in. 

Enter Jack S. on horse back. 

JackS. (stop horse ) What's yer hurry ? Gointer 

a dance ? 

Sleepy I. No such good luck; Pat bet me a quart of 
good tequile that commodore could'nt jump rope. 

Jack S. Did yer take him up? 

Sleepy I. I did. 

Pat E. (aside) And he lost. 

Sleepy I. Will yon make him jump. 

Jack S. Yes, fur two pints. 
Pat E. Two pints ! Why don't ye take the whole business ? 

Sleepy I. I'll give you half. 

Jabk S. I'Jl go you if I loose my scalp. (rides out 
after steer) 

Pat E. Be-dad, I'll have his scalp this time. 

Sleepy I. Did'nt I tell you he could do it. 

Re-enter Jack S. on foot leading steer. 

Pat E. Now, let him go and do the jump. 

Jack S. (mounts and steer jumps rope) Now, whar's yer 
juice? 

Pat E. (excited) Hold on, yer a cheat. That's what ye 
are. Keep that rope still an lets see him jump it., (runs 
monnts horse, rides out ) 



THE COW-BOYS. 41 

Sleepy I. Here comes Burns, (runs out ) 

Jack S. Whoa ! e dismounts leads steer out / 

Re-enter Jim B. on horse back. 

Jim B. (looks around) Al] on 'er strike. 

Enter Wild P. on horse back. 

Enter Broncho N. on horse back. 

Broncho N. (whistle places hand on stomach) I could eat 
a cow. 

Jim B. Pete you and Ned ride through the basin, I'll go 
the trail and meet you at the divide. We'll make a circle ride 
back to camp. By that time grub will be ready. If Ike don't 
forget to wake up. (rides out Pete and Ned rides 

out ) 

Re-enter Sleepy I. on foot, goes to sits down, 

twirls hat on fore-finger whistling softly. 

Re-enter Mex. F. on horse back. 

Mex. F. (stops horse ) Well, how about something to 

chew on? (dismounts) 

Re-enter Broncho N. on horse back. 

Broncho N. (stops horse ) That's what I say. 

Sleepy I. I would had grub ready an hour ago, but Frank 
'lowed as how flaps would taste him about in the middle. 

Broncho N. Can't say I'm stuck on 'em, but I'll gamble I 
can eat as many as ary puncher in ther out-fit. 

Mex. F. Who will do all the cooking for this lay-out. (un- 
saddles and bridles, places them ) 

Re-enter Jim B. on horse back. 

Jim B. stops horse ) Ike or Bill Cook, (unsaddles and 
bridles, places them ) 

Re-enter Billy C. on horse back. 



42 THE COW-BOYS. 

Billy C. Who said pie? (stopsho.se dismounts) 

Sleepy I. If your grinders are so poor, you can't chew 
baked beans an want ox tail soup, you can do yer own cook- 
ing or chaw leather. 

Re-enter Pat E. on horse back. 

Pat E. (stops horse ) What's the matter with the 

bill o'fare? (laugh, dismounts) 

Jim B. What tickles you ? 

Pat E. Oh, be-jabers; ye's missed half yer life, (unsaddles 
and bridles, places them ) 

Billy C. (surprised) Tell us how. 

Pat E. Well, ye's know that old split-ear, goggled eyed 
steer we had so much trouble with last night. 

Mex. F. What about him. 

Pat E. I wuz trying to keep him in the cut, do ye see ? 
Whin up comes Jack Sutton and says I, Jack ! What, says he 
Do ye see that old brindle gintleman (pointing) says I. I 
do, what ails him, says he. I can't keep him in the bunch. 
What'll we do with him? says I. Rope him and sew up his 
eyes, says he. Will that bring him to his skimtnilk, says I 
Yes says he. Will ye help me, says I 1 will, says he. Git 
down your rope, says I* Are ye ready? says he. I am, says I 
Thin off goes Jack, an away runs his lordship, and I after the 
both of them. Jack heads him to me. Capsize him, Pat. says 
he. I will, says I, and threw me string. 

Wild P. Did you bump him? 

Pat E. Oh, no; me old McCarthy was'n't long enuf. and I 
cut him to Jack : He lets fly at his nobility, an caught him 
in the bud, but that old sog-eyed hoss would 'nt hold divil a 
pound, and away wint the steer to the river ^ith his rope, 
and he in after him across the water, and up the other side 
they go; and ye's talk about ther rocky road to Dublin. Dang 
a road is there that has as many turns as they made. So I 
rides to the bank and hollows, come on. Jack, and let the 
Gineral go. 

Jim B. What did he say ? 

Pat E. Ye had better axe him yer self, for I'll not tell ye's. 

Mex. F. Well, what did he do ? 



THE COW-BOYS. 43 

Pat E. I role ter camp and left him sitting on old sog-eye 
with ther creeping paralysis, watching the old steer go over 
the hill. 

Wild P. Wait till he strikes camp. 

Jim B. Ike get that fire goin, so we'll have something to 
chew on. (Ike goes lights fire, puts on coffee pot, etc. ) 

Mex. F. Who's goin to cook ther flaps ? 
Jim. B. Jack Sutton fur losing his rope. 

Re-enter Jack S. on horse back, rides to un- 

saddles and bridles; places them 

Wild P, Hod-dy, old man; some one said they saw you go 
under water, and Ned said you were sure drowned. 

Jack S. (angry) Ducks don't drown so easy. 

Billy C. ilaugh) There was a motion made in camp and 
seconded that you cook flaps for this lay-out or take a good 
chapping. 

Jack S. (nodding his head) I won't take a chapping, or 
turn a flap, nar^ one. 

Billy C. Yes you will. 

Jim B. If he don't, chap him. (Pete and Mex. F. catch 
Jack and hoist him on Broncho N. back, Pat gets chapaijoed) 
Give it to him. 

Pat E. (chaps in hand goes to Jack) I'll give him an extra 
one fur running the steer away, (brings chaps across Jack) 
That one for the Gmeral (Jack struggles* and this is fur 
me-self . (bring chap across Jack, all whoop) 

Jack S. Hold on, I turn ther batter. 

Pat E. I thought that would bring him. (boys release him) 

Jack 8. (goes to pours out batter, cooks flap jack } 

Here your are. (turns flaps) I hope ther'l blister yer so yer 
can't set. (prepare for meal, steer goes from to 

dragging rupe) 

Boys at Supper. 

Pat E. What are you thinking of ? 

Wild P. I was just thinking how I would like to knock off 
an go see a good hoss race, aint seen one since I quit old Mex. 



44 THE COW-BOYS. 

Mex. F. Come go with me this Winter. 
Billy C. Where are you goin to hang out ? 
Mex. F. Mexico City. 
Wild P. I'll go you. 
Pat E. I'll raise you two better. 
Jack S. They'l kill you down thar. 
Pat E. What fur? 

Jim B. For gittin in trouble like you do here. 
Jack S. It aint his fault. 

Billy C. They tell me you have fine times down there. 
Mex. F. All kind of sports and fandangoes. 
Broncho N. Jack, aught to go, he likes dancing ah, pard ? 
Jack S. Oh, fairly. (Jack replaces cooking untensils, etc.) 
Jim B. Come, it's your watch. (Ike mounts, rides out 
) 

Scene 2. — Incline pass, from to camp. 

Jack S. Arsh darn dese yar skeets. (slaps hand) 

Wild P. Let go your hold, (slaps his neck ) 

Billy C. Big as a pie (slaps his cheek) 

Jack S. Whoa ! What ails that critter ? (horse uneasy) 
Some un powlen er round (takes gun out of holster) I'll 
just keep an eye squinted, and ther first thing comes near 
camp, out goes ther bottle stopper. 

Mex. F. What's up? 

Jim B. Something astir. 

Billy C. What is it? 

Broncho N. Its those injuns going up the pass from ther 
hoe down. C Indians go up pass) 

Jack S. Confound ther smoked carcas; they must be gettin 
married twice. 

Wild P. Hand's, things are kind o'lonesome, whistle or 
sing a song to lively us up a bit. 

Cow-Boy Whistling Quartet. 

Jim B. Come, roll in. (all get blankets and lay down) 

SLOW DROP. 



THE COW-BOYS. 45 

Act V. 

Scene. — Prairie; as curtain rises, Jim B. is discovered stand- 
ing watching 

Enter Edith Y. on Foot. 

Edith Y. Oh, Mr. Burns, we want some fun, and I have 
come to you to help us out. 

Jim B. (turning) Well, I am a poor hand to have fun 
with. 

Edith Y. (smileing) You don't understand me. 

Jim B. Don't you think I know what fun is ? 

Edith Y. No; No; (stamping her foot) We want you to 
get the boys together. 

Jim B. For a round up ? 

Edith Y. Oh, no. (tossing her head) For a Virginia reel 
on horse back. 

Jim B. Who ever saw a virgin reel on a horse's back ? 

Edith Y. (angry; Not a virgin ojl horse back, but get 
partners for a dance. 

Jim B. (doubting it) Never heard tell of it. Don't see 
how it can be done. 

Edith Y. Well, Jack Sutton knows all about it, for papa 
and he used to dance it when they where young. 

Jim B. (laugh; He know's everything, but his A. B. C. 

Edith Y. You can't say yours backwards, (starts off ) 

Jim B. Hold on, you little spit-fire, don't go pitching too 
high (Edith stops) don't you know this is our busy time. 

Edith Y. We did not think of that, and do not wish to in- 
terf er with you work. 

Jim B. I'll go see what all this tomfoolishness is about, 
and if he don't explain some one will catch it. (goes out ) 

Edith Y. ismileing) I knew he would do it. I'll run and 
tell the girls to get ready, (runs out ) 

Re-enter Jim B. and Jack S. on horse back. 

Jim B. Say (faceing Jack) what's all this foolishness I 
hear you have been stuffing those girls about ? 
Jack S. (looking up) Never did nuthin o'ther sort. 



46 THE COW-BOYS. 

Jim B. Well, what's all this report about reels and gin 
reels on hosses ? Mack takes out plug of tobacco, bites off a 
chew and remains silent. (Burns shakes him) Are you deaf ? 

Jack S. I don't hear so. 

Jim B. Did you ever dance if or see any one who did? 

Jack 8. (spitting) I reckon as how I danced at it when I 
was a'four-year-old. 

Jim B. Well, get the boys together, and I'll go see the girls . 
(rides out ) 

Jack S. (uneasy) Who in the dickens and green rattle 
snakes ever told him about is ? He's gone sure crazy or been 
to some o'them wimin fortune tellers: cause a man aint got no 
sich sense; for old Uncle Adam never had sense enuf ter git er 
blanket ter kiver himself. Howsom-ever I'll rout out ther 
whole camp and set em all er fire, (rides out ) 

Enter Edith, Bertha and Dorothy on horse back. 

Edith Y. Come, girls, hurry, for the boys will soon be 
here. 

Enter Jim B. and Mabel on horse back. 

Mabel W. Why, girls, how you must have ridden to get 
here before us. 

Dorothy M. (smileing) The surest way here would naturly 
be the longest. 

Ee-enter Jack S. on horse back followed by Ned, 

Billy and Pat, who advance and shake hands with the girls. 
Jack remains ) 

Jim B. Ladies, Mr. Sutton, at your service. (Jack raises 
his hat) 

Edith Y. (advancing) Why, how do you do? (extend 
hand) Don't you know me ? 

Jack S. (shakes hands) Can't say I do. Recollect ther 
brand ? What mout it be ? 

Edith Y. Papa brands his stock D., half circle. 

Jack S. Then you must be Charley Young's little gal. Why 
I used to hold you when you were a smooth yearlin. (smil- 
ing) but you would be a whole arm full now. (raises hat and 



THE COW-BOYS. 47 

pseps in her face) Your a slick one but, I'll be hanged, if 
you are as handsome as you Mam. 

Edith Y. I'm Papa's oldest girl. 

Jack S. How many has he got ? 

Edith Y. Only five. 

Jack S. (whistles^ Well, I could never beat three of a kind . 
(Edith goes and joins Billy C. ) Boys, pluck 

your pumpkins. Boys get their partners) Forward. Stray 
Critter out ther bunch, (all laugh) 

Bertha Y. (aside) What does he mean ? 

Billy C. (aside 1 One short in the dance. 

Mabel W. I'll go and get Mama to help us out. (rides out 
) 

Jack S. (aside) I'm sure corraled this time, but here goes, 
or tear up the snubbing post. 

Enter Mabel and Mrs Wallace on horse back. 

Mrs. Wallace (goes up head shakes hand's with Jack. He 
removed her bonnet and hangs it on saddle horn) This re- 
minds one of old days gone by, when we where young. 

Jack S. Didn't know wimin folks ever got old. 

Calls Off. 

All forward and back, 

First couple down ther line. 

First lady. 

Right hand. 

Left hand. 

Both hands. 

Royal swing. 

All shake yer pins. 

First couple balance to place. 

All forward, cross over and back. 



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